Goa expresses anger, mourns Delhi gang-rape victim's sad departure

While Goa did not see protests in the wake of Nirbhaya's death on Saturday, people's sentiments, especially anger, were in sync with that expressed in the rest of the country.

TNN | Dec 30, 2012, 06.55 AM IST

PANAJI: While Goa did not see protests in the wake of Nirbhaya's death on Saturday, people's sentiments, especially anger, were in sync with that expressed in the rest of the country.

Siolim-based music icon Remo Fernandes wrote in: "Mourning for the girl. Furious at our leaders. Frustrated at knowing where our women stand not just before rapists, but before our government-unarmed peaceful objects to be lathicharged by the police, mocked by politicians. Even more angry at Sonia's, Sheila's and Singh's 'sympathy'; they too have daughters, do they? Pray, when did they last travel by public transport? At the mercy of criminals who are not punished for raping our daughters? How many Black Cats, paid for by us, protect them, M/s S, S and S?"

"Let's think about it. Can we really expect our government to pass adequate laws against rapists? Half our ministers (and their sons) are guilty of molesting and raping women."

"All our ministers (and their families) are guilty of molesting and raping Mother India. And they intend continuing doing so forever. Will they ever pass laws against themselves? Unless we force them to, by having our limbs and lives broken by their guard dogs?"

Advocate and human rights activist Albertina Almedia remembered Goa's moments of shame. "From the time a young woman from Saligao ended her life due to harassment in buses, to this year when two bus conductors have been booked for sexual abuse alleged to be committed two years ago, nothing much has changed, even in Goa. Do we stand committed to consistent work to challenge unresponsive and tardy systems of justice, be it at the criminal justice system level or at the transport department level and to confront a culture that polices women instead of the culprits? That is the best tribute that can be paid to Nirbhaya."

Sabina Martins of Bailancho Saad agreed, "We salute Nirbhaya's fighting spirit. The tribute to her would be to carry on the fight. It's a continuous fight. The resolve should be to take it to the logical end. It's heartening to know that a large number of people have taken up the cudgels."

Calling it a "permanent blot and shame for the entire nation", Auda Viegas of women's group Bailancho Ekvott said, "We may call ourselves a free nation but our women are still in bondage. It is high time the government shows its responsibility and fulfills the dream of making women free."

Konkani literati and member of the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, Pundalik N Naik told STOI, "Though such crimes have been occurring often across the nation, this is the first time people, irrespective of gender, religion, state have come out on the streets. It's a good sign. This protest has shown that people are angry. One remarkable thing is that the youth, often considered passive towards social issues, have stepped into the protests. To avoid such crimes, we should have stringent laws and proper enforcement. Discipline must be imbibed in the police force."

South Goa zilla panchayat chairperson Nelly Rodrigues, on behalf of the Goa Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan, condemned the "ghastly act" and demanded stricter laws. "In my opinion, I also condemn the way women are treated and I feel the accused in this case are murderers and should get the death penalty; if they are hanged it will create a fear psychosis. Why we want stricter laws is because the accused are let off too easily and this is terrible. A precedent has to be set. Women should feel free and safe."

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